If you have a pouch laminator, you re definitely going to need laminating pouches. But how much do you really know about these essential supplies? If you re new to lamination or you just need a refresher course, keep reading to learn all about pouches.
1.) Thickness. The thickness of a laminating pouch is measured in mils, which is 1/1000th of an inch. There are several different thicknesses available, such as:
* 3 mil: These supplies are pretty flexible. When you use one, your document will be flexible, so you can fold it or even punch it and then bind it. Some good applications for 3 mil pouches include menus, brochures, and posters.
* 5 and 7 mil: These pouches are thicker and you re going to find it difficult to fold any documents that have been laminated with them. They re perfect for photographs, signage, emergency information, and other documents that need a fair amount of protection.
* 10 mil: Ten mil pouches are the most rigid ones that are commonly available. They cannot be folded at all and they ll make your documents extremely stiff. These supplies are ideal for items that will be handled frequently included I.D. badges, business cards, menus, and so on.
One other note about thickness: the mil rating only applies to one side of the plastic. Hence, a 10 mil pouch will actually have a total thickness of 20 mils.
2.) Sizes. When it comes to laminating supplies, size and thickness are two totally different things. Size refers to the actual dimensions of the pouch, such as 8.5 x 11 (for letter sized items) and so on. The supplies are available in many different sizes, so whether you re laminating a business card or a large poster, there s bound to be one that s just right for you.
3.) Self sealing and thermal. There are really only two types of pouches: self sealing and thermal. You ll be using the thermal ones during hot lamination (obviously) and the self sealing ones are great for the cold lamination of heat sensitive documents.
4.) Specialty supplies. Finally, there are a number of specialty supplies that can really enhance your documents. Standard pouches tend to be glossy, but you can also get ones that have matte surfaces that can be written on with a ballpoint pen. You can even get supplies so you can make your own mouse pads, and there are even colored ones to add a certain pizazz to your work. Finally, there are sticky back ones that will allow you to adhere a laminated document to the surface of your choice, kind of like a big sticker.
5.) Manufacturers. A lot of companies make laminating supplies, but some of the best ones come from the companies that actually make laminators themselves. Some names to look for are GBC, Fellowes, and Lamitek. GBC in particular makes some really high quality supplies, so be sure to check them out.
Laminating pouches are necessary supplies when you laminate. Now that you know all about them, pick up some today so you can start laminating those important photographs and documents!
Author Resource:-
Jeff McRitchie is the designer and Director of Marketing for http://www.mybinding.com .He has written over 500 articles on binding machines,binding covers,binders,laminators,binding supplies,laminating supplies,paper handling equipments,index tabs, and shredders.
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